UK Castle Wedding Venues
A castle can provide one of the most unique and atmospheric settings for a wedding. It exudes grandeur, drama and elegance. As well as its awe-inspiring architecture and construction, a castle is steeped in history, provoking interest from all your guests. There are usually many reception rooms within a castle, often decorated with historic paintings, interesting artefacts and antiques. Impressive staircases, tall ceilings and beautiful windows create many photographic opportunities as well as the surrounding gardens and extensive parkland.
Here are a few suggestions of venues suitable for a castle wedding.
Wasing Park
This exquisite award winning venue in West Berkshire offers a stunning combination of traditional and contemporary architecture. Set within the grounds of a privately owned estate, Wasing Park is hired on an exclusive basis. The barn’s castle-like features, crenelated stone walls and extensive parkland create an elegant and dramatic backdrop for wedding photos. Within the estate, the pretty 15th century parish church of St. Nicholas provides an intimate and romantic setting for religious weddings or blessings. Civil and civil partnership ceremonies can be held in the light and airy Garden Room seating up to 140 guests. Located in the pretty Terrace Garden, the exquisite hand-painted Victorian Summerhouse is an ideal setting for outdoor ceremonies and blessings. Wedding receptions at Wasing Park are held in the stylish Castle Barn; a spacious room featuring bespoke Italian mood lighting, oak beams and flooring, a licensed bar, and a large terrace area outside for reception drinks. The catering at Wasing Park is expertly handled by the venue’s Fine Food team from Galloping Gourmet, who offer support all through the planning process too, so you can sit back, relax and feel confident that your wedding is in good hands. Accommodation is also available in the Stables Lodge; a stylish boutique hotel consisting of the Honeymoon Suite and 10 en-suite bedrooms for close family and friends. In addition, a cosy lounge/dining area can be enjoyed by those staying at Wasing Park.
Highclere Castle
Located near Newbury in Berkshire, Highclere Castle is one of the finest Victorian houses in existence. Once home to the 5th Earl of Carnarvon, who famously discovered the tomb of the Egyptian Pharaoh Tutankhamun, and now the setting for Downton Abbey, Highclere is rich in history and treasures. This extravagant Victorian Gothic Castle bursts with character and charm, and is an idyllic choice for a fairy tale wedding. Stunning landscaped gardens and sumptuous reception rooms help to ensure plenty of variety throughout the day and great photographic opportunities. Wedding ceremonies and blessings can take place in the Saloon, where a sweeping staircase provides a wonderful addition to the wedding couple’s grand entrance. Beautifully lit at night, Highclere Castle provides a dramatic, romantic setting.
Barony Castle
Set within 25 acres of gardens and woodland, this impressive castle offers a modern setting for a castle wedding. Situated just south of Edinburgh, there are magnificent views of the Scottish countryside. With 78 en-suite bedrooms, there is every opportunity and facility for you and your guests to enjoy your wedding celebrations away from home. Barony Castle is licensed for ceremonies, enabling you to celebrate every part of your special day in one location.
Skibo Castle
Madonna and Guy Ritchie married in a lavish ceremony at this exquisite and romantic Scottish Castle. Set on the banks of the Dornoch Firth in the Sutherland Highlands, Skibo Castle is set in a peaceful location of surrounding natural beauty; a wonderful backdrop for wedding photos. Extravagant reception rooms with Edwardian features and warming fireplaces provide an intimate setting for your wedding, and there are several luxurious bedrooms available in the castle and lodges so guests need not worry about taxis. However, guests may be woken at 8am the following morning by a kilted piper playing on the terrace - a lasting tradition at the castle. You and your family and friends can enjoy the castle’s spa and swimming pool, as well as a wide choice of activities such as golf, fishing, falconry, clay-pigeon shooting, tennis, canoeing and horse riding.
Alnwick Castle
Daniel Radcliffe was not the only star in the Harry Potter films. Alnwick Castle starred as Hogwarts School in both Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. Situated in the pretty Northumberland countryside, the Castle consists of three stunning wedding locations; the Guest Hall, Hulne Abbey and the Sanctuary, and all are suitable for ceremonies and reception celebrations. The Castle’s excellent team of expert chefs can cater for all your dining needs; whether it be a relaxed summer barbecue or an elegant banquet, a range of delicious menu options are available. Alnwick Castle is steeped in history and will provide a magical atmosphere for your special day.
Article by Wedding Venue Advisor Tania Barnes
Images Courtesy of:
Wasing Park: Studio Rouge
Highclere Castle: David Pullum Photography
Barony Castle: Pearson Photography
Skibo Castle: Ronnie Leask
Alnwick Castle: Via Flickr by Westy48
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